Stephanie Robinson is a school media specialist in the same school where she taught 5th grade for sixteen years. The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow, which she co-authored with her long time friend, Jessica Haight, is her first book. Stephanie spends her free time reading, traveling, and visiting with family and friends.
Your real name and pen name?
My real name and pen name are one in the same.
Please share some of the best memories of your childhood
Stephanie-I spent a lot of time playing in the woods behind my house either in our fort or exploring the world around me. Sometimes I played with neighbor kids or one of my brothers, but much of the time I was by myself. I loved seeing the way the sunlight streaked in and the patterns of leaf litter on the ground. I used to make up stories and scenes and act them out back there in my space. As an adult when I smell certain scents I am brought right back to the peacefulness of the woods as a child.
About your education?
Stephanie- After graduating from Pomperaug High School, where I met Jessica, I attended Southern Connecticut State University. I received two bachelor’s degrees from SCSU- one in elementary education and the other in recreation and leisure studies. I began teaching 5th grade and later went back to SCSU to get my master’s of library science.
Stephanie Robinson’s Interview
What career did you plan during your education days?
Stephanie- As a child I thought I would grow up and be a teacher, writer, or actress. When I started applying to colleges I knew I wanted to be a teacher. After teaching for about ten years I started writing my first book with Jess. In a lot of ways teaching is like performing or acting. You are on stage so to speak. It turns out I have all the careers I was imaging- just all at once.
What languages you can speak and write?
Stephanie- I took four years of Spanish and two years of French. I can read and speak both of them a little bit, but I could certainly use a refresher. After I got married I started to teach myself Polish by listening to CDs and repeating the phrases. My husband is half Polish and many of his aunts, uncles, and cousins live in Poland. We have visited Poland three times so far and it has been helpful to know some words and phrases to converse with those relatives that don’t speak English.
What hurts you most in this world?
Stephanie-Meanness and pain. I can not handle seeing people being mean to others. I wish we could all put positive energy out there. When I see someone hurting it breaks my heart.
Stephanie Robinson’s Interview
What is your favorite genre and why?
Stephanie: I tend to read books from all genres.
When did you start writing? What is the purpose of your writing?
Stephanie: Since I was a little girl I have loved reading and creating stories. When I was younger I thought I would be a teacher during the year and spend the summer writing books (yes, that is plural). I obviously didn’t understand how much time teaching and writing would actually take.
Which of your work has been published so far? Would you like to share a synopsis of your work?
So far (Jessica Haight and Stephanie Robinson) we have published The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow, which we wrote together. It debuted this past December with Delacorte. We also worked on a couple of short stories together. One is a spooky story called “Ferry Blackwell Strikes Again” and it was published in the anthology Lovecraft ME.
Stephanie Robinson’s Interview
Synopsis of The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow
The Begonia House keeps its secrets. Everyone knows that. Everyone, that is, except for clever eleven-year old Fairday Morrow, whose family has just moved in. Being the Senior Investigator in the Detective Mystery Squad, more commonly known as the DMS, she’s ready to uncover the mysteries hidden within the strange manor. As the investigation gears up and the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, the three young sleuths enter into a world where anything is possible, and the danger is most definitely real. Can they piece together the puzzle before it’s too late? Or will whatever’s causing trouble find Fairday and her friends first?
What are your forthcoming writings?
Jessica Haight and Stephanie Robinson – We are currently finishing up The Talking Library, which is the second book in the Fairday Morrow series. Then we’ll start working on book three.
What genres you write in and why?
Stephanie: I prefer fantasy and realistic fiction. I like the fact that anything can happen with fantasy and it’s magical to create new worlds. Realistic fiction has always appealed to me because I can write about themes and ideas that I like to read about, and I can draw inspiration from my life and the people I have met.
Stephanie Robinson’s Interview
What is generally your preference in reading – a paper book or ebook? And why?
Stephanie- I prefer to read books in print. I do read ebooks, but usually only on vacation because my Kindle saves me from needing to pack a lot of books with me.
How much real life goes into a fiction writing?
Jessica Haight and Stephanie Robinson – More than you’d think!
Is a high level of imagination important to have for an Author?
Stephanie- Being able to envision ideas and see possibilities is helpful in writing all books.
Your dream destination on Earth?
Stephanie- This depends on my mood, as I would love to see all that this beautiful planet has to offer. Hawaii and Alaska are two states I hope to visit next, so I’d be over the moon to get to see them and spend time taking in the scenery.
Stephanie Robinson’s Interview
Your origin of birth and other countries you have visited/ stayed. What best things you liked in these countries around the globe?
Stephanie: I was born in the United States and have lived here all my life. I love to travel and have driven across the United States 3 times. Though, I have seen all but 4 of the states- but hope to one day have seen all 50. As a matter of fact, I have travelled out of the country as well, but not to very many places. So far I have been lucky enough to go to Canada, Saint Martin, Poland, Germany, France, Switzerland, Czec Republic, and Austria. Actually, My favorite part of traveling is getting to know the people and other cultures.
I also have loved a lot of the food that I have tried. Hence, My dream is to travel to as many places as possible and check out all that this amazing planet has to offer. Rather, Next up I would love to visit Italy, Norway, or Sweden.
Favorite time of the day?
Stephanie- The late afternoon when the sun is coming down is so beautiful. But, I am also a big fan of late night hours because everything is so quiet and peaceful.
Stephanie Robinson’s Interview
Your zodiac/ sun sign?
Stephanie- Taurus
Your favorite color and why?
Stephanie- Purple- there are so many pretty shades and it can be so bright and vibrant.
What is the last book you finished reading? What is the current book you’re reading?
Stephanie- I recently finished Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt and I am reading In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume.
Your favorite book and why?
Stephanie- This is a tough one because I am constantly reading books. If I have to pick one then it would be Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire (though I am really torn on this one and would pick the whole series if I could).
Your favorite food?
Stephanie-Cheese
Your favorite sports?
Stephanie- ice hockey (to watch)
What is the force that drives you?
Stephanie- I am passionate about the things I am interested in and I do not like to give up (some may say I am stubborn).
What comes to your mind when you think of India?
Stephanie- Beautiful colors and my cousin’s wedding
Stephanie Robinson’s Interview
Some quickies (Stephanie Robinson):
Sun or Moon Moon
Laughter or Smile Laughter
Morning or Evening Evening
Coffee or Tea Coffee
Mountain or Sea Sea
Long Drive or Short Drive As a matter of fact, I love driving- so both
Silence or Conversation In fact, Depends on my mood
Water or Fire Water
Air or Earth Earth
Mars or Jupiter Jupiter
Tulip or Rose Tulip
Red or Blue Blue
Left or Right Right
Glance or Stare Glance
Fame or Money A balance would be awesome!
Boy or Girl In fact, Both
Day or Night In fact, Both
Tree or Plant Tree
Love or Passion Love
The first thing you do in the morning after waking up?
Stephanie Robinson – In the summer: Have coffee, go on the treadmill, and shower.
Rest of the year: shower, get ready for work- while drinking coffee.
The last thing to do before sleep?
Stephanie Robinson – Read
State your signature line/ tagline/ best quote
Stephanie Robinson – There is a 1% chance of anything happening.
A message for me…
Stephanie Robinson – Go after your dreams and you will never regret giving it your all.
(In fact, this is one of the best messages I received. Rather, I really believe in it.)
Stephanie Robinson’s Links & other relevant details:
ISBN-10: 0385744714
ISBN-13: 978-0385744713
ASIN: 0385744714
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (December 1, 2015)
Twitter handle: @dmsfiles
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/fairday/
Goodreads author page:
Stephanie’s Goodreads Author Dashboard
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Files-Fairday-Morrow/dp/0385744714
Any other links:
Fairday’s Files (website)
Fairday’s Blog